TOP 7 historical monuments in Europe that can be destroyed

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

A list of seven monuments and cultural heritage sites in Europe that are under the most serious threat of extinction has been compiled, according to Europa Nostra.

This organization, created with the aim of promoting and protecting the cultural heritage and natural environment, publishes such ratings annually. Seven of the most vulnerable targets were selected from 12 applicants. The significance of the monument was taken into account, as well as the seriousness of the danger that threatens it.

Another selection criterion was the potential of these facilities as a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development.

Church and hermitage of San Juan de Socueva in Cantabria (Spain)

They are found in the rocky mountains south of the municipality of Arredondo. The chapel, whose construction was recently dated 660-680 AD, is still undergoing services. However, the buildings have long been dilapidated, and visitors are free to enter and damage the monuments.

Achensee railway in Tyrol (Austria)

It is the only one in the world since its opening in 1889 and still uses all the equipment of the late 19th century. In the spring of 2020, the Achensee railway company went bankrupt and the subsidies promised by the Tyrolean provincial government were never paid.

Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb (Croatia)

Built between 1876 and 1929, it is an excellent example of European neoclassical architecture. In March and December 2020, the city of Zagreb was hit by two strong earthquakes that seriously damaged this site. The arcades, pavilions, the Church of Christ the Tsar, many tombstones and sculptures were damaged. Heavy rains and the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to assess the damage and restore the cemetery.

Five Islands in the Aegean Sea (Greece)

Amorgos, Kimolos, Kythira, Sikinos and Tinos make up the so-called “Cycladic landscape” - an important part of Greek identity. It is in grave danger due to the proposed program of installing wind turbines on these islands, and close to archaeological sites.

Giusti Garden in Verona (Italy)

It was built in 1570 and has been open to the public ever since. It is one of the finest examples of the Tuscan Renaissance, preserved in its original form. But in 2020, the garden was hit by bad weather and thunderstorms, which caused significant damage to the entire site. About 30 trees - one third of the total - and part of the boxwood maze were uprooted. Three 17th century statues, as well as lighting and irrigation systems, were severely damaged.

Dechansky monastery in Kosiv

Built in the 14th century, the monastery is one of the most important medieval religious monuments in Europe. But since 2006, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as endangered. The monastery and its surroundings face challenges due to unresolved legal and institutional issues.

Central Post Office in Skopje (North Macedonia)

The post office was erected in 1974 in the modernist style of the post-war era. The powerful structure of the building, made of reinforced concrete in the shape of a lotus flower, was supposed to symbolize the restoration of Skopje after the strong earthquake of 1963.

The building survived a massive fire in 2013, but the dome's original glazing, murals, custom-made furniture and lighting were either completely lost or severely damaged. Today, the building is in even greater danger due to abandonment and wear and tear.